U.S. And Mexico Strike Water Deal Amid Growing Rio Grande Crisis
As of Monday, the United States and Mexico have reached an agreement on how water will be shared from the Rio Grande basin. This agreement comes in response to Mexico falling significantly behind on its water delivery obligations, exacerbating drought conditions in South Texas.
Mexico’s new commitment includes an immediate transfer of water at Amistad Dam and additional deliveries of San Juan River water when beneficial to the U.S. The terms of the 1944 water treaty are still in effect.
In addition to these commitments, Mexico will also increase the U.S. share from six Rio Grande tributaries through the conclusion of the current five-year water cycle ending in October 2025.
For South Texas farmers who have been devastated by low rainfall and lack of water deliveries, the new agreement brings a sense of relief. “Mexico finally meeting the water needs of Texas farmers and ranchers under the 1944 Water Treaty is a major win for American agriculture,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins.
Under the 1944 treaty, Mexico is required to deliver 1.75 million acre-feet of water to the U.S. over five years. However, by 2024, it had delivered only about 425,000 acre-feet – approximately one-fourth of its obligation.
While the new agreement aims to address the significant shortfall, the sustainability of Mexico’s promises remains uncertain. By the end of the current cycle, Mexico is still expected to fall short of its treaty obligations by more than 800,000 acre-feet of water. According to MySA, “as the summer heats up, any deliveries Mexico makes to the U.S. will only serve to temporarily stave off the water crisis.”
Nevertheless, the agreement is a crucial step toward ensuring a more predictable water supply for South Texas farmers and underscores the need for long-term solutions to address water scarcity issues affecting both nations.